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Street Talk Newsletter

Psychopathy or Sociopathy?

With less than 30 days left to serve on 18 months for fraud, Donald, age 30, faked an illness and escaped from the prison hospital. He began his “new” life by passing himself off as the “field executive” of an international philanthropic foundation, enlisting several religious organizations in a fundraising campaign.

Ten months later, he was re-captured. During the trial for this offense, it became evident he experienced no sense of wrongdoing. He even stated that most people who donate to charity do so because they feel guilty about something, and they deserve to be bilked out of their money. He is now back in jail for fraud, bigamy, false pretenses, and escaping lawful custody.

When You See Bipolar

You respond to a dispatch for a domestic disturbance. Once you’re on the scene and talking to the people involved, you might discover that bipolar disorder is the underlying factor.

As you read this article, here are a few things to know:

Except in cases where a person’s depression phase has become so bad that he/she attempts suicide, it’s more likely someone comes to your attention while they’re in the manic phase. Reasons can include:​

Excited Delirium: Rare, But Scary

Excited Delirium – What We Know

Excited Delirium (EXD) is a somewhat recently discovered phenomenon that has come to the attention of both law enforcement and the mental health community. EXD is defined as a brain disorder usually following the use of a stimulant drug (cocaine, crack, PCP, methamphetamine), but can also occur with psychiatric or systemic illnesses. It usually affects the Central Nervous System (CNS), which causes death due to abnormal brain activity.

When You See Schizophrenia

Mr. J. always seemed a bit odd, but he didn’t really bother anybody, so the neighbors didn’t pay much attention to him anymore. But late one night, a neighbor heard him yelling out in the street, and decided to call the police. When they arrived, Mr. J. was still outside, very agitated, and arguing with someone, but no one else was outside or in the house. Officers started talking with him, but his words didn’t make a lot of sense. He clearly was upset and scared, stating more than once that “people are trying to get me” and “they want me to do things I don’t want to do.” He described how “agents” kept commanding him to “take out the alarms and security systems” at the bank or “they will kill me.”

As a police officer, probably one of the biggest challenges related to mental illness is trying to talk with someone who is in a psychotic state. Psychosis can occur for several reasons, but schizophrenia is the illness most often associated with it. Even though it affects only 1% of the population, schizophrenia can be severe and debilitating if untreated or not well-managed medically.

Communicating During Crisis

During a psychiatric crisis, safety for everyone on-scene is paramount. Some situations unfold very quickly and demand immediate action. But many offer opportunities to gather information, build some rapport through communication and listening skills, and create a safe, positive outcome. Here are some strategies to keep in mind when encountering a person in a mental health crisis.

Resources

Resources for Law Enforcement and General Public

Behavioral Health Response (BHR) – 24/7 mental health crisis line for any type of mental health question or concern, to request a referral, or to receive telephonic assistance during a crisis. Mobile Outreach Team (MOT) available in certain circumstances. Law enforcement can use BHR to connect with their Community Mental Health Liaison. 314-469-6644

Life Crisis Services at Provident – 24/7 mental health crisis line, including referrals to community resources; several services, including support groups and after-care follow-up are specifically related to suicide. Also provides counseling services. 314-647-4357

Mental Health America of Eastern MO (MHA) offers education courses, support groups, and money management services for adults with mental illness. Also provides referrals to community resources, and an online support group directory for groups of all types. 314-773-1399

NAMI St. Louis offers education courses, support groups, warm line, and referrals for family and friends of persons with mental illness. 314-962-4670

Just for Law Enforcement

Community Mental Health Liaison (CMHL) – The CMHL program was created specifically to partner with law enforcement and specialty courts to improve access to behavioral health resources for those who came to the attention of law enforcement. CMHLs assist individuals/families as a result of an encounter with/request from responding officers. Liaisons are assigned to specific geographic areas; if you do not know how to reach your Liaison, call BHR to make contact.

Time to Nominate Officer for McAtee Award

Spring 2018

Join us May 18 at the Missouri Athletic Club for the 32nd McAtee Police Recognition Luncheon, as we honor officers whose compassion and dedication makes a significant difference in the life of someone with mental illness.

Questions??? Contact LaDonna Haley at 314-773-1399 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Just for First Responders, Family and Kids

The Backdrop

As the world witnessed media portraying the effects of the Ferguson-Florissant rallies and protests, many began to realize just how hard it is to be a police officer in America. As counselors, we were able to process many of the fears and resentments the adults had during this time. We saw firsthand how profoundly the family members of police were affected by nightmares, relocations of homes and school districts, dealing with bullying, anxiety and panic attacks, and Post-Traumatic Stress.

What We Saw

As we worked with individuals and families who were closely impacted by these events, we realized how grossly under-served this population was. We foresaw that those who didn’t seek help during this time would manifest distress in different ways in the future. We wanted to create therapeutic group sessions that would impact a greater number of family members and give them tools to better heal, as well as enhance the individual, on-one-one sessions they were receiving.

Local Solutions to Battle Heroin Overdose

The CrisisIn recent years, the heroin/opiate crisis has increasingly become a major story not only in our region, but also throughout the nation. Almost daily, articles circulate from all corners of the country, and the stories are remarkably similar: overdoses are on the rise, and communities are struggling to determine how to tackle the epidemic.

Located northwest of St. Louis, St. Charles County is a community of nearly 400,000 whose municipalities frequently appear on “safest cities” and “best places to live” lists. Residents of the county for many years refused to admit that heroin and prescription opiates had found their way into their neighborhoods. But statistics told a different tale. Over the past decade, call volume for this type of overdose more than doubled for St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD), going from 192 in 2008 to 473 in 2017. Likewise, county law enforcement agencies saw increases in drug-related activity, as individuals who are addicted will, in some cases, turn to any means necessary to obtain the substance their body so badly craves.

St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Tim Lohmar frequently says that the heroin epidemic is not a problem we can “arrest our way out of.” Rather, communities must develop forward-thinking strategies to address not only prevention, but also those who are already addicted.

When You See Dementia

“As a community mental health liaison, every month, I get a stack of CIT reports to follow up on. I’ve been seeing an increasing number of reports involving someone suffering from dementia, and I don’t see it slowing down. Baby boomers are getting older. One in three seniors will die from dementia. Everyone will be impacted by dementia somehow, including law enforcement. More families will be calling 911 looking for their mom who has wondered off or asking for a welfare check on their grandfather. It is imperative we know how to recognize the symptoms of dementia, learn the skills to interact with the individual who has dementia, and know the resources available.”

Tara Stevens, Community Mental Health Liaison, BHR

Recognizing Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term used for diseases that cause abnormal difficulties with memory, language, problem solving, and other cognitive skills that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. To help ensure the safety of individuals and families, it’s critical that first responders are knowledgeable about the disease and its effects. People with Alzheimer’s and other dementias can unknowingly break the law and put themselves and others in danger.